We’re starting to see an interesting change in player’s habits when they make transfer decisions – it’s no longer always about chasing the money and going to the biggest team, but doing what’s best for their career.
Man United have officially unveiled Ajax midfielder Donny van de Beek and he looks like a potentially fantastic signing, but it’s also emerging that there was some serious competition for his signature.
Real Madrid would usually expect to sign any player they want, but it looks like their better financial offer wasn’t enough to prevent him from going to Old Trafford:
? Man Utd confirm signing of Ajax attacking midfielder Donny van de Beek. ~40m deal on 5+1y contract struck by #MUFC after #RMFC twice failed to close ~50m deal on 6y contract (was all done bar medical).
With @AdamCrafton_ @lauriewhitwell @TheAthleticUKhttps://t.co/dTfaqEteyf
— David Ornstein (@David_Ornstein) September 2, 2020
You have to think that Ole Gunnar Solskjaer made a big pitch to the Dutchman to convince him that he would be a key part of the team and explaining where he would fit in, while he’s also more likely to play regularly at Man United just now.
Real Madrid have a stacked midfield with younger players pushing for a first team spot too, so van de Beek would be simply another player if he want there instead.
READ MORE: Donny van de Beek goalscoring stat shows how he can make a huge difference to Man United
It’s going to be exciting to see how he adapts to life in the Premier League, but it’s also interesting to see how close he was to moving to Spain instead.